Young: Launchbury ideal England captain

Australian Jones, 55, who has signed a four-year deal to be England’s first foreign coach, wants to name a skipper to take the team to the 2019 World Cup.

“It’s a role Joe would grow into and get better at all the time until he’s a natural,” Young said. “He’s somebody the players would get right behind.

“I think he would be a great choice and would make a great England captain.”

Jones criticised current skipper Chris Robshaw during the World Cup but is planning talks with the 29-year-old, who was made captain by Lancaster in 2012.

Former Cardiff and Wales captain Young was coaching Cardiff Blues when Warren Gatland installed Sam Warburton as Wales captain in 2011 and he sees similarities between the Welsh talisman and Launchbury.

“Both are very sensible, don’t go chasing the limelight, don’t do things that will draw attention: Joe leads from the front, and doesn’t speak for the sake of it,” said Wasps director of rugby Young.

“One of the greatest England captains, Martin Johnson, didn’t speak for the sake of it. When he spoke people listened. I think Joe would be very similar.”